City Republican candidates include familiar faces

Former Public Safety Commissioner Richard Wirth wants a rematch this fall.

Earlier this week the Republican announced plans to take on Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathieson, a Democrat, who defeated Wirth in 2011.

“This campaign is about keeping the public safe and giving Saratogians the peace of mind they deserve,” Wirth said in a statement. “During my time in office I did more with less to save taxpayers money while maintaining public safety.”

In a news release, he cited the utilization of a Federal SAFER grant, a ticket amnesty program and new accountability measures in the public safety department as accomplishments from his tenure. Wirth said he is running again to return "common sense leadership," but added that people can't be worried about their safety in the wake of an increase in local crime.

“I’m going to bring forward initiatives during this campaign to increase public safety, and will be focused entirely on the public’s safety as a commissioner,” said Wirth in a statement.

Also running on the Republican ticket is three-term incumbent Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco.

“The reason you want to get elected in the first place is to get things done for the people of our city, its just that simple,” said Scirocco in a statement. “I’m going to run on my accomplishments because they have benefited everyone in our community.”

He does not yet have a Democratic opponent, but one is expected to be announced next week.

Announced earlier in the week was the mayoral candidacy of Shauna Sutton, a Republican and Deputy Mayor. She is running against Democrat Joanne Yepsen, one of the city's representatives on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.